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According to New University twitter accounts, the “protesters” were denied permits for sound amplification for today’s rally. This being the case, has the university now changed its policy and will also no longer grant amplification permits for inflammatory and anti-Semitic hate speakers?

Organizers are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. in the Cross-Cultural Center to begin preparation for the noon rally at the flagpoles. With a rumored fee increase coming in November, the Oct. 7 strike has been deemed a “day of action” across the nation. Activists hope to draw crowds as they call for awareness and change.

At UC Irvine, the rally is also a demand for “accountability and democracy” at the university following the recent suspension of the Muslim Student Union and other charges being held against activists from the last academic school year.

Follow coverage of the events of Oct. 7′s Strike & Day of Action at twitter.com/newuniversity, and be sure to pick up the New University’s Oct. 12 issue for a full report.

12:51 p.m.

With a main banner that reads “DEATH OF PUBLIC EDUCATION,” approximately 30 marchers have arrived at Aldrich Hall. Other passers-by stop to observe, but not for long.

Meanwhile, the Daily Californian reports that student organizers are now addressing a student crowd of about 1,000 strong at UC Berkeley. UC Davis reports approximately 100 protesters.

12:38 p.m.

After being denied amplified sound due to other activities at the student center using sound, the protest starts with a small but intimate crowd of students listening to a mix of speeches and spoken word. Speakers specifically attack the lack of faculty or administrators present, as well as the spending on Afghanistan. Oct. 7 also happens to mark the anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

Marching commences around 12:30 p.m., with chants of “We want money for jobs and education, not for war and occupation.”

11:52 a.m.

No more than 10 protesters have gathered at the UC Irvine flagpoles, ready to go. On the other hand, a dozen or so cops are overwhelming the scene.

Meanwhile, 68 actions in 23 states across the country are currently protesting, according to studentactivism.net. After an early but slow start at UC Berkeley, some 100 protesters are marching around campus shouting “Walk Out Now,” according to the Daily Californian.